All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott Debate Team Brings Home Another State Trophy

January 15, 2018 Loretta George 1 Comment

The Fort Scott High School Debate Team. Front row from left: Sara Al-Shawish, Tayton Majors, Zoe Self, Elizabeth Ngatia, Brooklyn Lyons, Madi Toth, Mark Adams, Joe Adams. Back row from left:t Dalton Womeldorff, Kaden Kiwan, Darby Toth, Rebekah Sweyko, Isabella Provence, Ashtyn Dowell.

This weekend the Fort Scott High School Debate team traveled to Coffeyville, Kansas for Kansas State Debate contest. The regional championship team is comprised of Darby Toth, Rebekah Sweyko, Joe Adams, and Isabella Provence.

The alternates on the team were Kaden Kiwan and Ashtyn Dowell. This team took fourth place following KC Piper High School which took first place, Bishop Meige H.S. took second, and Louisburg H.S. third. In the four-speaker division, one half of the team goes affirmative the entire tournament and the other half goes negative. Then the records of both teams are combined.

In the two-speaker division, FSHS took the maximum amount of teams allowed for a school, four. In order to qualify for two-speaker state, the team must have a 50 percent win-loss record over four tournaments above the novice level.

The teams attending were Madison Toth/Mark Adams, Zoe Self/Elizabeth Ngatia, Brooklyn Lyons/Dalton Womeldorff, and Tayton Majors/Sara Al-Shawish. There were 60 teams in the tournament. All four teams broke to Double Octofinals. Madison and Mark dropped to Nickerson in Double Octofinals. Brooklyn And Dalton drop to Louisburg. Tayton and Sarah make it to Quarter Finals and end up fourth, after dropping to Topeka Hayden.

And finally, novice, Zoe Self and 2nd-year debater, Elizabeth Ngatia, drop in finals to Wichita Collegiate and bring home the 2nd place trophy. Fort Scott Debate has been state champions or state runner-ups four of the last five years.

Fort Scott High School will be hosting the state debate event next year.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Drake-Abati Engagement Announced

January 13, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Drake-Abati Engagement Announced

Amy and Dusty Drake, Fort Scott, along with Sandra and Willey Abati, Redfield, announce the engagement of Sarah Delynn Drake to Antonio Joseph Abati.

The marriage will take place June 9, 2018, at Community Christian Church.

The bride is a 2011 Fort Scott High School graduate, attended Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Mo. and graduated from Regency Beauty Institute, Olathe. She is a cosmetologist at The Courtland Spa Salon, Fort Scott.

The groom graduated from Girard High School in 2005, Fort Scott Community College in 2007 and Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tenn. in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication. He is currently news director at Double K Country Radio, Nevada, Mo.

Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Agenda For Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Jan. 16

January 12, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

These are the highlights of the agenda for the City of Fort Scott, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 at city hall, 123 S. Main.

The commission will:

Recognize Holly Baker.

Approve of Appropriation Ordinance 1207-A totaling $482,847.04.

Set a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1234 E. Elm – Public Hearing Date – 3/6/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

Consider Glenn Cowen Quit Claim Deed

Approve Change Order #1 – College Booster Station update – Increase of $42,043.95.

Approve Change Order #1 for the Chemical Feed & Sludge Removal project – Decrease of $1,183.10

Discuss Fort Scott Lofts

To see the whole agenda:

1-16-2018 agenda packet

Obituary

Obituary Of John David McTheeney

January 12, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

John David Mc Theeney, age 67, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018, at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, Kansas.

He was born on November 21, 1950, in Neelyville, Missouri, the son of Andrew Washington Mc Theeney and Elise Mae Curtis Mc Theeney.

John married Aletha Kyle on May 28, 1988, in Garnett, Kansas.

He worked as an over the road trucker, enjoyed working on cars and restoring buildings. He especially loved spending time with his family and had a way that made each one of them feel like they were his favorite.

He is survived by his wife, Aletha of the home, two sons, David Andrew Mc Theeney of Mound City, Kansas, and Herbert Mc Theeney of Fort Scott, Kansas, three daughters, Tanya Mae Kilgore and husband Mitchell, Brenda Mc Theeney, and Lisa May Mc Theeney, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, two brothers Ernie Roberson and Carlene of Joliet, Illinois, and William Roberson, of Seguin, Texas, six grandchildren, Tyler Roberson, Patients Roberson, Madison Roberson, Natalie Roberson, Kimberly Mc Boone, and Kyrain Logan, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Rob Roberson, a brother Johnny Roberson, and three sisters, Fay Nickelson, Annie Favorite, and Connie Shelton.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 pm Monday, January 15, 2018, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow with private family burial at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Contributions are suggested to the Sharing Bucket and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347 Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted

What’s Happening In Fort Scott Jan. 12-19

January 12, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

12-13	Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10am
12	Theology on Tap, Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 7pm
13-14	Youth Basketball Tournament- hosted by FSHS Booster Club. Start early Saturday morning through 5-6pm Sunday evening, click here for FB page with brackets.
15	Lunch & Learn, Martin Luther King Jr. Day speaker, Gordon Parks Museum, FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Building, 12-1pm, bring your own lunch, drink & dessert provided. See flyer below for details.
1/15 – 3/10	Stay Strong, Stay Health Strength Training Class for Older Adults at Buck Run Community Center 8:30 am 620-223-3720.
16	Community BINGO. Country Place Senior Living is hosting Free Bingo for community members. 2 pm- 4pm Delicious refreshments and prizes! 820 S. Horton
16	Whiffle Ball @ Buck Run Community Center, 10am-12pm, ages 7-12 boys & girls. Call 620-223-0386 for more information.
18	Chamber Coffee, Hartman Spine & Joint, 8am
18	Thursdays Card Players at Buck Run Community Center 6-9 pm
19-20	Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10am
19	Friendship Soup Lunch at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National. Sponsored by Feeding Families in His Name. Menu includes chili, a variety of soups, desserts, and a drink. Free will donations will be accepted. Everyone is welcome!
19	National Popcorn Day – Drop by the Fort Scott Buck Run Community Center for some FREE Popcorn 10;30 am -12:30 pm
19	Fort Scott’s Got Talent – Presbyterian Village – 4-5 pm If you enjoy the show “America’s Got Talent,” then you’ll want to check out the Presbyterian Village talent show *Contact Anicia Robinson at 620-223-5550 for additional information
20	Fort Scott Kids Wrestling Club partnering with Perry’s Pork Rinds 2018 Fundraiser. Pick up & pay 9am – 3pm at FS invitational. 1 Gallon bags 8 flavors $8 each

Obituary

Obituary Of William Andrew Heckman

January 12, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

William Andrew “Bill” Heckman, age 85, a resident of Bronson, Kansas passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018, at his home in Bronson.

He was born January 17, 1932, in Hepler, Kansas, the son of Andrew Joseph Heckman and Mamie Leah Dunbar Heckman. He married Pat Judd on August 17, 1972.

Bill constantly kept busy. He did farm work as well as mechanic work for many years. He also mowed yards.

Survivors include his wife, Pat, of the home; a son, Dustin Heckman of Lansing, Kansas and a daughter, Stacy Moore and husband, Rex, of Redfield, Kansas; five grandchildren, Alisa, Tyler, Dalton, Shelby and Hannah and a great-granddaughter, Kendall. Also surviving are two brothers, Ether Spencer, and wife, Marsha, of Girard, Kansas and James Heckman and his wife, of California; two sisters, Frances Tewell, of Girard and Thelma Koons of Huntington Beach, California. He was preceded in death by an infant son, William Heckman, Jr., two brothers, Newton Spencer and Albert Heckman and a sister, Elizabeth Judd.

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 17 at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Ft. Scott. Burial will follow in the Paint Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary Of Rebecca Marie Murray

January 12, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Rebecca Marie Murray

Rebecca Marie Murray, 66, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Olathe Medical Center.

She was born April 5, 1951, in Coffeyville, Kansas, the daughter of John F. and Madilyn Louise (Slater) Troutman. She married Wayne Murray July 10, 1982, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death July 3, 1999.

Rebecca worked for Fort Scott Community College for twenty-five years, and for Five Corners Mini Mart for the last fifteen years. She had a bachelor’s degree in English.

Survivors include her daughter, Amy L. Murray of Pittsburg, Kansas, her son Geoffery A. Murray of Fort Scott, Kansas; step-daughter Julie Workman of Girard, Kansas; her granddaughter, Stephanie Eastwood; a nephew, Jason Sack, and Kevin Taliaferro, who was like a son to her. In addition to her husband Wayne, she was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Kathryn Sack.

Bishop Walter Simpson will conduct funeral services 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 18, 2018, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the FSCC Endowed Scholarship Fund and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center Update

January 12, 2018 Loretta George 1 Comment

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

The kitchen refrigerator and cooler didn’t fit in the new law enforcement center. Twice.

“The first two that came in would not fit,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said. “There was some miscommunication between the architect, the construction company or the company building the fridge and cooler.”

The refrigerator and cooler are custom built and have to meet certain requirements, he said.

The good news is, the custom-built refrigeration system has arrived and is being installed, Martin said.

Following installation, there will be a final inspection by the state fire marshall.

“It was delayed until everything is in place in the kitchen,” Martin said.

“We have some additional training once that is met, ” he said. “We should be able to open the door and have inmates the end of January to the middle of February.”

The new law enforcement center is located at 293 East 20th Street.

Sheriff Bill Martin in the command center of the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, October 2017.

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, October 2017

Submitted

Diabetes Support Group at Mercy Hospital

January 11, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott will host a Diabetes Support Group on Monday, January 22 at 6 p.m. in McAuley Rooms C and D. The session topic is “Diabetes Medications: A look at what’s new in the treatment of diabetes.”

Patty Ryan, Mercy R.N., and diabetes educator, will lead the discussion and share details about options that may work for you.

The support group is open to the public. No registration is required and family members are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more about this topic or other important information regarding managing diabetes, join the Mercy Diabetes Support Group. The group meets the third Monday of every other month. Mark your calendar for meeting dates of 2018: March 19; May 21; July 16; and September 17.

For more information, contact Patty Ryan, R.N., at 620-223-8412.

Obituary

Obituary of Ruth O’Dell

January 11, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Ruth O’Dell, age 84, a former resident of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at the Ft. Scott Manor in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

She was born January 21, 1933, on the family farm near Lacygne, Kansas, the daughter of Clemmit Anderson and Edith Reynolds Anderson.

She married Donald Eugene O’Dell on February 28, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ruth lived in Kansas City for a time where she was employed by the Wonder Bread Bakery. She later worked at a service station in Ft. Scott and helped her husband with their own service station in Mapleton. She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include two sons, David Hearn and wife, Rosemary, of McPherson, Kansas and Claude O’Dell, of Ft. Scott and a daughter, Donna Thomas, and husband, Danny, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and three grandsons. Also surviving is a sister, Betty Hall, and husband, Allen, of Pittsburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Don, preceded her in death on October 30, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Clarence, James, Howard and Henry Anderson and two sisters, Velma Miller and Viola Collins.

Jay Lotterer will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 15 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lee’s Paws and Claws and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted

ChatterHigh US: Free College Exploration

January 11, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Submitted by Carl Repp, co-owner of the Shiney Studios.

Fort Scott is quickly becoming the Education hot spot of Kansas. This past August, ChatterHigh Communications Inc., named 2017 EdTech Partner of the Year at Canada’s National Education Summit, opened its U.S. national office in Fort Scott. It compliments the city’s growing education sector including; Lowell-Milken Center for Unsung Heros, the Ellis Foundation, Fort Scott Community College, and state of the art K-12 schools.

ChatterHigh US provides free college exploration learnings resource for grades 6-12 in schools across America. The resource is a fun, daily, gamified e-quiz that exponentially increases student knowledge about colleges and college programs. Each quiz question takes students deep into college websites to learn about unique and interesting programs.

“Seventy percent of Americans begin a 4-year college program but only twenty percent graduate with a degree, those numbers are not good enough,” says ChatterHigh’s Executive Vice-President, Carl Repp. “Our mission is to empower students to make mindful decisions and, in doing so, we want 100% of students enrolling in college. Our goal is to reduce drop-out rates and increase college persistence by helping students make the perfect college match.”

College enrollment is down across the nation and first-year drop out is higher than ever. The cost to the American economy is in the billions. Repp states that if we graduate more informed student from high school, who have enough knowledge to align their passions and interests to one of the thousands of unique college programs available to them, the likelihood of dropout will be decreased. This process needs to begin in middle school.

“Research is very clear about the behaviors students use to make college decisions. These behaviors, such as searching colleges within a 60-mile radius of their home or only searching colleges they know by name, dramatically reduce the chances of students making a mindful program match to their true passions and interests.”

Chatterhigh’s software allows students to earn points while engaging in learning. Students receive 10 question from colleges each day. A correct answer, found on the college webpage, will earn them 100 points. The points can be used by students to enter weekly draws for gift cards or to donate to the WE Foundation that builds classrooms around the world. Points are also collected in the school’s point bank which earns the school free Chromebooks for classrooms or enables schools to win cash in competitions like America’s Most Informed School – National College Exploration Championships.

“Wyandotte High School in Oklahoma just won the title of 2017 America’s Most Informed School and $1100 cash. Arlington Independent School District in Texas barely beat Dallas to win America’s Most Informed School District. In 30 school days, American students visited over 200,000 college web pages and over $7500 was distributed to the winners.”